Newcastle are not playing well this season so far, but the lads have still collected a decent 8 points from their five league games, and have ground out good results in the last two league game this week to get 4 good points.
Demba Ba - after scoring 4th goal of the season after 19 minutes today
If somebody had offered us 4 points from the two gamesat Everton and at home to Norwich, we would have taken it in a New York minute, and in some cases results are more important than the performance.
Ben Arfa and Demba Ba produced the class this afternoon that got Newcastle their winning goal, although we missed a penalty just before half time – and we have to get sorted out who the penalty taker is for Newcastle.
We thought it was Demba Ba, although Ben Arfa took the penalty against Spurs and scored, but today Papiss Cisse took the penalty and blazed the ball wildly over the bar.
When you haven’t scored this season, that kind of thing tends to happen to make things worse, and the very worst penalties are when you don’t even make the goalkeeper make a save.
But hey, the lads wanted Papiss Cisse to get on the score-sheet and we won the game this afternoon, so we are not complaining too much.
This is what Alan Pardew told Sky Sports after the game today:
“I thought the penalty miss hurt us mentally a little bit.” “It was such an important game for us to win because, even though we had got some decent results this season, we needed that second win just to get us going.”
“We find ourselves with eight points and I think that is a good reflection because we have had some tough games.” “Norwich made it tough for us today and the back four and the goalie were the standout players, outside of Hatem who was again brilliant.”
“I think it was pretty obvious that they wanted Cisse to score, which says everything about our spirit here.” “It’s not really what I wanted. I want to see it in the back of the net and I want the best player to take it.”
“Papiss missed one in pre-season so I wasn’t too pleased with that, but I can understand it and I didn’t make a big deal about it at half-time because I thought that could hurt us even more.”
This was a very important game to win, and the lads delivered the goods, but Papiss Cisse also missed a penalty in the summer for Senegal, and in that case s he also blazed the ball over the bar, and seemed to lay back when he took both penalty kicks.
But as it turns out it didn’t matter much today, but from now on we need to stick with the player who is the acknowledged penalty taker.
The performance today was just so-so but the result was a massive one.
And now we need to show some of our best form next Saturday at Reading, and we could get our second league win on the trot.
And today was our first clean sheet in the league this season, and only the second overall, so that’s another good things to take out of this game.
Moderately good performance, but a fantastic result is the bottom line with today’s game and we’re very happy right now. 
Howay The Lads!!
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151 responses so far ↓
1 Carryingcoals // Sep 23, 2012 at 7:26 PM
From where I was sat, it looked as though John Carver and Ba were in a slanging match after Cisse missed the penalty. Ba was making gestures towards the bench and looked like he was getting a good telling off.
Anyone think the same or shed some light?
– and I think that was the right thing to do by Pardew, not saying anything about it at HT, no use screaming at them over a penalty miss.
2 Big Pappa Cissé // Sep 23, 2012 at 7:28 PM
Better than not playing great and losing
3 Toon1978 // Sep 23, 2012 at 7:28 PM
HBA was world class once again.
4 dmac // Sep 23, 2012 at 7:29 PM
It was Ba that convinced everyone to let Cisse have the pen. It was a very good and clear sign of our teams working together ethic just a shame it didnt pay off. We would all be singing about the decision had he scored. It happens, even the great Al missed a pen (not very often like!).
5 JDdubai // Sep 23, 2012 at 7:31 PM
Glad to have gotten Spurs, Everton and Chelsea out the way early.
Good return of points, performances need to improve from now on with October bringing 2 Europa matches, Man Utd and the Mackems in the league along with West Brom and Liverpool beginning of Nov.
If we can push on now we have a good opportunity with none of our rivals too far ahead.
6 Ashton // Sep 23, 2012 at 7:33 PM
Carryingcoals
I saw that too. He wanted to take it but Carver,Jonas and Ben Arfa told him to give it to Cisse. He did and when Cisse missed instead of encouraging his team mate he acted like a twat.
7 Carryingcoals // Sep 23, 2012 at 7:40 PM
Ashton
Right ok I see. I could see them gesturing towards eachother but had no idea what was being said, obviously.
Disappointing.
- Cisse reminds me very much of Darren Bent at the minute. He’s a great finisher and can be a real poacher, but when he isn’t firing he’s absolutely anonymous in game. I’m a big Cisse fan but it’s just not happening for him at the moment, aside from the penalty miss. He doesn’t put himself about enough and when the service is crap from our midfield he does nothing in a game. Just for the record, I do find Cisse a lot more spectacular than Bent by the way!
Hopefully Tiote coming back will give the midfield the bite it needs, winning the ball back a lot more and providing us with more possession to make things happen.
8 jawballsaswallwell // Sep 23, 2012 at 7:41 PM
Great goal, but the missed penalty was just as influential. That goes in and we are well on top and looking to press home our advantage but it doesn’t and we’re back in a scrap.
Solid performance though and above all a win, with Perch, HBA, and Harper doing well, key players to come back into the side and one point out of fifth so things are looking up. However, Cisse’s form is now developing into a problem for Pardew, he is clearly bang out of form.
9 Big Pappa Cissé // Sep 23, 2012 at 7:46 PM
I also think part of Cisse’s goal problem is that Cabaye is not performing at his best. I don’t know off the top of my head but I’m sure a few of Cisse’s goals came from Yohan’s assists
10 Carryingcoals // Sep 23, 2012 at 7:46 PM
jawballsaswallwell
I agree, but what are our other options? We lack strong substitutes on the bench who we can rely on. Say Cisse is dropped and we start Shola and Ba in a 4-4-2. Ba will feed off Shola like he has done in the past but it will mean Ben Arfa is pushed down the pitch more, acting as more of a winger than a forward.
I think we need to persevere with Cisse and the goals will come. Tiote and Colo returning will bring the best out of the rest of the players.
Ben Arfa is key for us, I feel this could be his final season at the club though. He is a head and shoulders above the rest. Surely a big club will see that if he maintains this level of performance all season.
11 Big Pappa Cissé // Sep 23, 2012 at 7:47 PM
last season
12 Toon1978 // Sep 23, 2012 at 7:47 PM
Having Tiote back is excellent but he did nearly cost us in the end lol. He was hanging onto the ball for to long at times but he will get better as time goes by. Same for Cisse. When he get’s his first goal then he won’t stop. As i have already said, HBA was outstanding and it would be a shame to drop Perch as he has also been excellent.
13 fungus44 // Sep 23, 2012 at 7:48 PM
like all goode strikers he needs that goal to get him fireing and then like Ba he will be on fire just watch
14 bollance // Sep 23, 2012 at 7:53 PM
Carryingcoals
At half time Cisse ran off down the tunnel while Ba put his arm around carver and they went off together. They seemed happy enough with each other.
Cisse does not score easy goals so when he does score it will be a goal of the season contender
15 bollance // Sep 23, 2012 at 7:55 PM
We can’t afford to play like that away from home as we will lose. Even at home to lesser teams we risk losing too.
Fortunately I don’t think we can play much worse so there is only one direction we can go! And we are a point off arsenal and man city?
Cabaye had a bit more bite about his play today. Happy about that as he is getting better
16 toonarmydownsouth // Sep 23, 2012 at 7:55 PM
Bollance
Are you sure because we have it on authority he acted like a ‘twat’
17 bollance // Sep 23, 2012 at 7:59 PM
Pappa
Cabaye set up Cisse away to Swansea and at home to stoke off the top of my head last season
18 jawballsaswallwell // Sep 23, 2012 at 7:59 PM
I think Pardew has some other ways to go. until Cisse finds his form. Ameobi and Ba the obvious one, or HBA in the hole behind Ba, or 433 with Ba playing central and Guti, Marv,or Oba wide.
Or persevere, which he is likely still to do for the time being. But Pards will be surely now be looking more closely at his options. He did with Ba and since – 3 goals in a game and a half.
19 bollance // Sep 23, 2012 at 8:02 PM
Tads
Unless my eyes are deceiving me. But I doubt it as i am only 28.
This was at half time. Maybe it will b on motd tonight. Ba arm around carver smiling. Saw it via internet.
Before that it does sound like Ba was not so friendly
20 pbNcl // Sep 23, 2012 at 8:03 PM
I thought we were exceptional! first half, best ive seen for months. second half we defended and did the job
a big 3 points
21 toonarmydownsouth // Sep 23, 2012 at 8:08 PM
Bollance
I must admit i didnt see anything untoward about ba, thing sometimes when someones made there mind up about a player then there opinion simply wont change
Personally i think ba has been fantastic for us this season but some ppl just wont give the lad a break
BPC
Aye i dont think it helps that our midfield hasnt been on its A game but i think the problem with cisse is obvious you see he scores when he wants so he just doesnt want to yet
22 Thump // Sep 23, 2012 at 8:08 PM
Cissé didn’t have TOO bad of a game, in fairness. Not saying he was great or anything, but there was some good link up play between him and Ba. I wonder if it’s a mental issue with Cissé? Like, is he worried about continuing his form and now beating himself up about it?
23 davis_toons // Sep 23, 2012 at 8:10 PM
I miss Alan Shearer penalty…
24 Thump // Sep 23, 2012 at 8:12 PM
@pBncl: I agree that we were better than we have been so far but far from exceptional matey! First half we dominated in portions and when we were under the cosh it was because we invited it and then made daft mistakes.
As an addendum to that earlier post: I didn’t see anything about Ba after the pen, although I did have my head in my hands so…
25 pbNcl // Sep 23, 2012 at 8:13 PM
I found it so. the passing and pace of us that first half was incredible. very very good
26 MagpiesFlyHigh // Sep 23, 2012 at 8:14 PM
jb
Am sure Pards will persevere with Cisse. All top strikers have barren patches. Torres is a £50m guy who went a fair while without scoring… but he’s a grafter on the pitch too. Once Cisse has refound his touch he’ll be about 20 this season.
27 Magpie from Lithuania // Sep 23, 2012 at 8:14 PM
I would like to see this formation against reading;
—————————–Harper—————————-
————-Saylor———Colo——–Santon—–
———————-Perch———Tiote————–
———-Anita————-Cabaye————–Jonas
——————————-Benny———————
——————-Ba———————Cisse——-
i think, that would be a great expirement. With players we have, we could play this formation nicely.
I know it will be 4-3-1-2 tho.
—————————Harper————————
Perch———Saylor———–Colo———Santon
———–Cabaye——Tiote——-Anita(Jonas)—
—————————–Benny———————–
—————–Ba———————–Cisse———-
28 bollance // Sep 23, 2012 at 8:19 PM
Tads
Ba has always come across laid back and well in interviews. His agents on the other hand have the bad reputation. It is apparent Ba was unhappy to be benched and pards felt he needed to speak to him so something was not right. But Ba has a case. Ba is on fire and Cisse just isn’t yet.
As the comentator today kept saying ‘if Ba had that chance then it would have been a goal’ time after time when Cisse fluffed his shot.
Big decisions for pards coming up regarding team selection. Good thing for pards is he can pretty much choose who he wants and stan behind the fact we have lots of games coming up.
In a way with players coming back having lots of games will help the squad as a whole get up to speed because up until now we are in about second or third gear.
But the good thing is we are in Europe and doing ok in the league.
29 Magpie from Lithuania // Sep 23, 2012 at 8:20 PM
i would like to see a 3-2-3-1-2 formation. Really. I don’t mean i am against 4-4-2 two or 4-3-3, but am very curious, hope AP reads my post, and tries it in training. It is very very flexible, short – long passing. Defendin, attacking, puting presure on and countering also. It could be a revolution.
30 davis_toons // Sep 23, 2012 at 8:22 PM
What is those issue abt when BA put his handsover NO.2 at the end of the game? Does anyone understand?
Is there a prob btw Ba and Cisse?
31 Magpie from Lithuania // Sep 23, 2012 at 8:22 PM
3-2-3-1-2, if more attacking bite needed, AP could put Sammy, Fergie or Marveaux on the wing.
32 MUTINYbyLEMONS // Sep 23, 2012 at 8:24 PM
So twice this season, Pardew has been surprised by the choice of our penalty taker. The penalty taker picked by Pardew isn’t taking the penalties, others are. Understandable reasons but could have cost us 2 points.
33 bollance // Sep 23, 2012 at 8:26 PM
Davis
Don’t think there are any problems. Sure pards will galvanise the team.
When will Ba get to take a pen?
Next up, man U in Capital cup at OT. Not a ground we have done well at in recent times. Presume we will play our cup team. Another good test for them.
34 bollance // Sep 23, 2012 at 8:30 PM
The comentator said Anita was in Amsterdam for the birth of his daughter On Friday but yet still played today. He can not be too settled yet with a wife and new child abroad. Maybe they were waiting for the birth before moving permanently. Good effort to play today tho! And well too.
35 Tsunki // Sep 23, 2012 at 8:35 PM
bollance the answer is ‘next time’. So the idea to give cisse the boost of a goal backfired. so what? Roll on next game.
It seems selective memory is in operation – are we rally expecting what is essentially a patched up team to gel instantly? be glad about the results I say.
I recall Big Al stepping up against Ipswich in 90 plus minutes against Ipswich at 3 all I think it was. Missed. They all do it.
36 Tsunki // Sep 23, 2012 at 8:40 PM
@31 – if they let you play that many we will have more bite thats for sure.
37 FatmanJoe // Sep 23, 2012 at 8:42 PM
Just got back from game and thought we played really well today, especially first half. Perch was OUTSTANDING today! I think we may have been guilty of undervaluing him in the past. He runs his socks off and gets all over the park. Harps, Williamson, hba, Jonas, cabaye and ba were our best performers. Williamson was solid as a rock at the back. One of those critic defying performances.
Crowd was quiet except for when tiote and shola came on and that quickly died down when we saw tiote was on a suicide mission. What was the lad thinking of today? He really put us under pressure with the mistakes and we completely lost shape. That last 15mins was awful and without willo and perch we would have had issues.
Taylor looked out of sorts today too.
But at half time we could have put away 3 and should have maybe had s penalty in the second half
Great being back at sjp again and looking forward to next time.
38 Tsunki // Sep 23, 2012 at 8:54 PM
FMJ – glad you got my back I thought I was on a lone crusade with my report everyone seems to think we stank the place up today ha ha. I forgot to mention Harps – not only has he still got it but the old dog eems to have learned how to come out and attack the ball.
Big detail I missed out – I said I expected it to be a great atmosphere today – it turned out to be the quietest prem game I have EVER been to bar none. It was actually weird.
39 MagpiesFlyHigh // Sep 23, 2012 at 8:58 PM
FMJ Tsunki
Really appreciate someone who can get to games giving us a proper balance review. Streams and highlights just aren’t the same. Keep it up lads
40 FatmanJoe // Sep 23, 2012 at 8:59 PM
I haven’t read any of the comments yet but I might have guessed there would be negativity. We were by far the better team today IMO and that penalty miss hurt us a bit. Norwich threatened at times but we were really good at the back.
Which game you going to next tsunki? My grandad gets tickets from his rugby club and I’m hoping to get to 2 or 3 in the next couple of months.
41 JAMSHA // Sep 23, 2012 at 9:03 PM
saylor look class put his body on line
42 toonarmydownsouth // Sep 23, 2012 at 9:04 PM
Tsunki
Howay! How could you forget harps the lad was fantastic today absolute class!
43 Cool Hand Luke // Sep 23, 2012 at 9:05 PM
Fatmanjoe, I noticed that from the match as well, Perch rarely puts a foot out of place at DM, challenges only when necessary and times his tackles impeccably. One of my favorite Toon players for sure.
44 toonarmydownsouth // Sep 23, 2012 at 9:05 PM
JAMSHA
Have to say i thought taylor was the one player who looked like he struggled today
45 Tsunki // Sep 23, 2012 at 9:07 PM
Well I will actually miss the man U and West Brom games as I have treated various family members to the joys of my ST while I watch on sky or the dreaded streams. Dont ask, its a kind of madness
So my next games will be Nolans return with the Hammers and then Swansea in November. I will try and cram a couple of the euro ties in because november is such a long, long way off I dont think I could stand the withdrawals….
46 toonarmydownsouth // Sep 23, 2012 at 9:08 PM
CoolHandLuke
Also perch’s passing has been top class the last couple of games he’s been playing some great through balls and crosses looks so composed at the moment
47 FatmanJoe // Sep 23, 2012 at 9:08 PM
Jamsha. True but often from issues he created. I’m not getting on the lads back. I want to see him in an England shirt. He’s twice the place phil g is. But I dont think he’s fully fit yet.
48 Tsunki // Sep 23, 2012 at 9:08 PM
TADS – not forgetting, just goes without saying. Top pro at the club imo. A legend, still with us.
49 FatmanJoe // Sep 23, 2012 at 9:10 PM
Phil j I mean.
Perch is fast becoming a favourite of mine too.
50 toonarmydownsouth // Sep 23, 2012 at 9:12 PM
Tsunki
) could take a leaf out his book never over does it just gets on with it, everton could of got anichibe booked and took a nasty boot in the choos today and just got up
Agreed top pro
Also love the way he conducts himself alot of these so called pro’s (suarez welbeck young the whole chelski squad
51 FatmanJoe // Sep 23, 2012 at 9:13 PM
Ha tsunki don’t talk about withdrawals, been ages for me like. Hoping to get to west brom and united. My old man knows someone from the stadium of shite who might be able to get a spare ticket for that. Haven’t been to see a game there in years.
52 Tsunki // Sep 23, 2012 at 9:16 PM
FMJ – ha ha dont forget, neutral colours. And a quick taxi. And dont jump up and down when cisse scores.
53 Tsunki // Sep 23, 2012 at 9:20 PM
tads – me lad just nudged me today when harps got slid into and said exactly the same thing. It would be so easy for him to get someone sent off, chelski’s diving-meisters should watch and hang their heads.
54 toonarmydownsouth // Sep 23, 2012 at 9:20 PM
LOL John terry has announced his retirement from international football and has blamed it on the F.A
55 Tsunki // Sep 23, 2012 at 9:21 PM
JT has always been such a good loser. Sorry, how did the word ‘good’ get in there?
56 FatmanJoe // Sep 23, 2012 at 9:25 PM
Haha made that mistake before and won’t do it again. Thankfully only at craven cottage and only got a fee stares. Reaction might be worse at Sunderland I think.
57 jawballsaswallwell // Sep 23, 2012 at 9:26 PM
Perch must be given immense credit for getting himself into the position he has worked himself into. He was an object of derision for many in his first 18 months at the club, but he seems to have created a real opportunity for himself and seized it completely. He’s turned himself from journeyman pro looking at the door at a battling newly promoted side to a highly respected and integral member of a top squad at a top premiership club on the cusp of better things. by dint of his own will and intelligence. It’s quite inspiring.
58 Tsunki // Sep 23, 2012 at 9:28 PM
I’m sure the world and his black n white og knows this, but I love nufc.com’s fixture table, they keep it up to date and it also looks nice. It’s my go-to list, and makes me feel happy when I scroll through past victories
http://nufc.com/2012-13html/fixtures.html
59 Tsunki // Sep 23, 2012 at 9:29 PM
Dog. The og would be Dog.
60 CisseIsALegend // Sep 23, 2012 at 9:31 PM
For some strange reason I don’t think Taylor will get called up to the England squad…
61 Tsunki // Sep 23, 2012 at 9:32 PM
Perchinho chants were class today. I may be raining on Ketsy’s parade here, but the presence of the Perch’s and Willo’s in our squad help it to be what it is. Unless we had that backup things would go seriously out of whack when injuries come a-calling.
62 Tsunki // Sep 23, 2012 at 9:33 PM
Hmm, where is Ketsbaia9 today? Surely this is his moment? Maybe he’s putting the flames out on his pannini collection…
63 FatmanJoe // Sep 23, 2012 at 9:33 PM
Never say never. I think it would have happened last season had he not got injured.
On form he’s definitely good enough. And Micah should be called up to. Wouldn’t mind a bid for him in January.
64 CisseIsALegend // Sep 23, 2012 at 9:35 PM
And in terms of this article, I don’t think we’re playing that bad at all. Compared to the previous prem games, wee played well; we’ve passed the ball from the back a lot more often even with Williamson in the starting 11 and we usually seem to be scoring 1 out if 1 shot each game but we had much more chances today
65 nico // Sep 23, 2012 at 9:37 PM
I was at the game as usual today. I must say, I’m not really enjoying the football we play. Another win but I crave a big win like 3 or 4. We play far to many long balls for the players we have. Carroll would have been a great assit today. The decision to let Cisse take the pen was stupid. Arfa should have taken it without doubt. Norwich are a team we should be beating easy, not clinging on at the end. And btw, what a great save from harper early in second half. He is still a top top playe and alone with Saylor and Williamson our best players today.
66 toonarmydownsouth // Sep 23, 2012 at 9:38 PM
Tsunki
He was last seen on the tyne bridge shouting “why willo why!”
67 Tsunki // Sep 23, 2012 at 9:39 PM
Yes – difference between what many perceive is a bad performance or a good one is based on chances converted today. If HBA had scored, and Ba scored from his one-on-one or Cisse’s knockdown, Cisse’s pen – its a long list lads – we’d all be slavering over a towering performance and singing e-i-e-i-e-i-o
68 Tsunki // Sep 23, 2012 at 9:39 PM
TADS
69 Jonny // Sep 23, 2012 at 9:40 PM
Put Ben Arfa on pens and keep him on pens!!!
70 cockneymagpie90 // Sep 23, 2012 at 9:40 PM
4312
————-KRUL————
ANITA-SAYLOR-COLO-SANTA
—–CABS–TIOTE–GUTI—–
————BENNY———–
——DEMBA1–DEMBA2—–
Play this formation pardew!!!!
71 Big Pappa Cissé // Sep 23, 2012 at 9:40 PM
John Terry is a racist biggamist scumbag and a horrible role model to young footballers. The sooner he retires from club football aswell the better
72 bollance // Sep 23, 2012 at 9:40 PM
Tsunki
Well said. These guys are squad players who come in and do a job and a good one most of the time! Especially against the lower placed teams. But lest we forget Norwich were 12 which is where we finished 1st season back in the league
Why don’t they start with holt? Watched the Norwich away game vs arsenal and holt and Jackson were class. Think they drew at the emarites. First half they were getting lots of balls into our box, hoolahan is a great little player. It was crying out for holt to be on the pitch.
73 MagpiesFlyHigh // Sep 23, 2012 at 9:42 PM
Ketsbaia9 // Sep 22, 2012 at 5:08 PM
We’ll win 2-1 tomorrow. They’ll get an early goal due to a Williamson error and we’ll get 2 late goals from the 75th minute onwards
74 Tsunki // Sep 23, 2012 at 9:42 PM
BPC – and dont forget those are his good points
75 bollance // Sep 23, 2012 at 9:42 PM
Pappa
Terry is now Chelsea’s Achilles heal. They are good going forward so will score lots but terry is very slow so their defence sits very deep. Did not watch the Juve game but I would guess it was a reason they surrendered the 2-0 lead?
This can only be a benefit to England?
76 FatmanJoe // Sep 23, 2012 at 9:44 PM
Haha Tads!
Cockney. On today’s showing I wouldn’t drop perch for tiote. Think tiote needs to calm himself down or he’s not doing anyone any favours.
77 Tsunki // Sep 23, 2012 at 9:44 PM
Bollance – well I love hoots but maybe his away tactics were part of why we dont have him any more?
78 MagpiesFlyHigh // Sep 23, 2012 at 9:44 PM
BPC
you missed out ….’ugly”
79 toonarmydownsouth // Sep 23, 2012 at 9:44 PM
BPC
oh and you forgot all round tw@
Dont hold back now !
80 joeytoon // Sep 23, 2012 at 9:45 PM
magpie in lithuania not a bad side for reading game but dyu think they will let us play with 12
newcastle were very poor today, those who think differently are kidding themselves it time we gave obertan to the mackems he would do a better job for us there,he is dire,we didnt strengthen and we will pay for it
81 MagpiesFlyHigh // Sep 23, 2012 at 9:45 PM
Cool if Perch ends up a £10m+ DCM
Save MA a bob or ten. hope he gets a good contract out of his performances
82 Big Pappa Cissé // Sep 23, 2012 at 9:47 PM
It had to be said
83 Tsunki // Sep 23, 2012 at 9:47 PM
Here we go. Obertan cost us the points…oh…wait…
84 toonarmydownsouth // Sep 23, 2012 at 9:48 PM
MFH
Well kets was nearly right we should of had 2 and norwich would of scored if hadnt been for wilo accidentally heading the ball of the line
85 Spuggy // Sep 23, 2012 at 9:50 PM
HBA is turning into a VERY good player for us now. His level of consistency is fantastic. Hardly a game goes by now where he doesn’t do something world class that changes the game, be it draw a foul, get an assist, score a fabulous self-made goal.
His is now the real deal – very exciting! His pass to Ba was as good as any I’ve seen from Cabaye and that is saying something.
86 MagpiesFlyHigh // Sep 23, 2012 at 9:51 PM
TADS
87 Toonacious T // Sep 23, 2012 at 9:51 PM
Agree about the great example both Perch n Harps are to any youngster watching the game. I hope they highlight Harpers true sportsmanship on motd2 tonight n contrast it with some of the theatrical ‘professionalism’ that some indulge in to get players sent off or con a penalty kick. Perch’s development has been great to watch unfold n the lad’s attitude is one that many could learn from.
feel that we a
88 FatmanJoe // Sep 23, 2012 at 9:52 PM
Joey, gonna have to disagree there pal. Not kidding myself but we played well today for 70 mins and should have had 1 or 2 more. Not everyone played well but it was a confident display by most.
I’m off. Can’t be arsed to have this debate again as it’s been a long day.
Peace fellas
89 toonarmydownsouth // Sep 23, 2012 at 9:53 PM
Fatman joe
Intresting point there should poor ol perchino automatically loose his place to the beast? Personally i think perch at the very least has played his way to be in contention for a starting spot!
As for tiote im just putting it down to eagerness to prove he’s 100% fit and watched 15 chuck norris films last night, that was some flying knee!
90 jawballsaswallwell // Sep 23, 2012 at 9:53 PM
There’s plenty to feel optimistic about, we look like a side about to start firing and we’re one point off fifth. Great time to be a Toon fan.
91 Spuggy // Sep 23, 2012 at 9:54 PM
I also get HBA style, he takes risks, sometimes they don’t come off – but he takes them in the right areas now, namely in their half. If 1 out of 3 don’ come off we don’t mind as he’s trying to do something decisive, not make a successful pass sideways.
World class.
Willo and Perch also had immense games! Our 2nd tier squad has most certainly improved on last season. I don’t want to see Anita at CM again until he has fully adapted and worked on his body strength.
92 cockneymagpie90 // Sep 23, 2012 at 9:55 PM
Fatmanjoe@
I agree but that was a 1 off from tiote and will not be dropped for that, he just wanted to get on and show everyone what he can do in a short space of time. Start the man and that wouldnt happen. I like perch and is a great utility player and im sure that line up i just gave, 1 person in the back 7 will be injured or not fit, thats when our perch steps in.
I think that formation is whst pardew should work on because if he wants both dembas to play, its the only way i can see it workin as they both like to play on the last man. I believe they need a playmaker in behind them such as benny boy.
Its like a 433 but with 2 strikrs and a cf and have the likes of santon snd anita gettin up the wing at every oppotunity, we would ruin teams!!!
COME ON THE MAGPIES!!!!
93 Spuggy // Sep 23, 2012 at 9:57 PM
Good to see Harps and Elliott have good games, was a little worried about keeper cover in preseason.
If we can make it to the Jan window with Tiote and Collo fit we have a good chance of top 6. If we find ourselves in a good position and strengthen the squad with another 2-3 of players then we’re good to go!
94 toonarmydownsouth // Sep 23, 2012 at 9:58 PM
To be honest i dont get all this
“yeah we won but we were shit” bollocks, surely first priority is 3 points and to get that winning mentality back in the squad then once thats back and the confidence is back then the performances will follow?
95 Tsunki // Sep 23, 2012 at 9:58 PM
tads warming everyone up on a cool night the boy is on FIRE!
Spuggy – just mentioning earlier that what impresses me is that HBA is now finding that dragging players and laying the simple ball off to the space it creates is boding well for the rest of the season. He is learning an alternative to getting tackled half the time, he seems to be getting smarter.
96 Toonacious T // Sep 23, 2012 at 9:58 PM
Damn phone, sorry. Feel that we are a little lacking in confidence creatively, HBA aside. Maybe the players don’t really believe they can do better than their achievements last year. Could be reading too much into it but have yet to really spark this season altho its early days admittedly.
97 gonufc (up and Hatem) // Sep 23, 2012 at 10:00 PM
I wouldn’t mind seeing Ben Arfa just behind Ba or Cisse, make him definitively part of the forwards rather than midfield.
98 toonarmydownsouth // Sep 23, 2012 at 10:01 PM
Tsunki
Agree about HBA his game has come on miles since last season he’s learnt when to play for the team and when to unleash the spectacular! Truly fantastic player and will play a huge part for us this season
99 CisseIsALegend // Sep 23, 2012 at 10:02 PM
Obertan is frustrating in the prem but in Europe he’s been one of our best players. They can’t handle his pace, he just needs to work on his crossing. I think he plays better in europe because in the prem, teams look for fast fullbacks to contain the players like bale, Walcott, Lennon etc…
100 Spuggy // Sep 23, 2012 at 10:02 PM
here here Tsunki!
101 bollance // Sep 23, 2012 at 10:07 PM
Tsunki
Lambert also dropped holt to bench but I think was due to the contract dispute. Massive Hughton fan and grateful for all he did, what a guy! But Hughton did not have the control needed over the squad. I believe this made contract negotiations difficult and that was a major factor which lead to the board sacking him. Results wise he was doing well. But that is all in the past now.
One thing about hba is that when we signed him permanently it looked like we had to play him centrally As pards persisted with him in the number 10 role. Now it seems he is happy to play out wide which is fine as he is able to influence the game from there and comes inside when he wants to.
102 Tsunki // Sep 23, 2012 at 10:08 PM
Reminder time here on Nufcblog – following our 4-2 away defeat to Norwich last year, does anyone remember a similarly peculiar incident with one of our players in our 1-0 home win last time? You’ll laugh when you remember. I promise.
103 Toonacious T // Sep 23, 2012 at 10:09 PM
Obertan should have slid the ball across the goal for Ba today but shot to the near post. He also tried to knock the ball too far in front of himself n failed to outsprint the full back to retrieve the ball. Ultimately, he lacks end product but I really hope it clicks for him some day n proves me wrong, someday soon!
104 bollance // Sep 23, 2012 at 10:12 PM
With hba it is often the case that he has a couple of players on him when we play the slow build up game. Hba is at his best when we are defending and the ball drops to him. He always ghosts past the first player on him then we are off. Great to watch.
So instead of hoofing out of defence we should try to find him with a pass to get him on his bike
105 toonarmydownsouth // Sep 23, 2012 at 10:12 PM
Tsunki
Nope im stumped!
106 gonufc (up and Hatem) // Sep 23, 2012 at 10:12 PM
Cissisalegend – Obertan has pace, that we know, but he does still need to work on his everything else…
107 Toonacious T // Sep 23, 2012 at 10:18 PM
Agree on HBA bollance, like in the Everton game when he was inexplicably pulled back by the ref to be given a free kick even tho it was a 3 on 1!
108 Tsunki // Sep 23, 2012 at 10:18 PM
It was a Tiote moment for Willo – he tried dribbling and turning a couple of times and got the ball took off him, they nearly scored… heart attack moment, although to be fair unlike Cheick, there was nobody helping him.
109 Toonacious T // Sep 23, 2012 at 10:21 PM
Think Chiek had one too many snickers bars before he came on today.
110 Big Pappa Cissé // Sep 23, 2012 at 10:24 PM
Right time to watch the toon on MOTD. And see the bindippers get spanked aswell haha
111 Tsunki // Sep 23, 2012 at 10:24 PM
Hmm well I suppose it is funny in hindsight though at the time I may have been more frightened by it. I just thought it may be something that happens against Norwich for some reason – one of our players suddenly thinks he’s Maradona.
112 Tsunki // Sep 23, 2012 at 10:25 PM
Me too I’m off, another happy result
113 Harley // Sep 23, 2012 at 10:27 PM
Thought it was a great result today. Norwich have only lost once so far, a baptism of fire on the opening day. They were also really unlucky not to beat spurs at White heart lane as they were the much better team.
Can anyone who was at the game tell me if hughton got a good reception or even a chant?
114 Big Pappa Cissé // Sep 23, 2012 at 10:31 PM
My god Jonjo shelvey is ugly. His tackle wasn’t to pretty either
115 toonarmydownsouth // Sep 23, 2012 at 10:33 PM
BPC
Shelvy is a tool horrible challenge and a disgraceful way to leave the pitch on a day that for his club is supposed to be about respect
116 toonarmydownsouth // Sep 23, 2012 at 10:36 PM
Tsunki
Just found a clip of that bloody willo!!!
117 toonarmydownsouth // Sep 23, 2012 at 10:46 PM
Could MOTD2 only afford ljundberg to say 4-5 words per game?
118 Big Pappa Cissé // Sep 23, 2012 at 10:47 PM
@tads
The more the better so he can drown out that tool Lawrensen
119 Big Pappa Cissé // Sep 23, 2012 at 11:00 PM
Gervinho looks a really good player but his finnishing us abysmal. Also Santi Cazorla looks one hell of a talent, he is in my team of the season so far like
120 rainrix // Sep 23, 2012 at 11:06 PM
Shelvys ears and face kinda reminds me of sloth off of the goonies
121 gonufc (up and Hatem) // Sep 23, 2012 at 11:10 PM
Cazorla was class at Malaga, not a bad free kick taker!
Gervinho’s touch is that of someone on the sex offender’s register.
122 nufcusa // Sep 23, 2012 at 11:24 PM
I said in Friday that a win over Norwich after a draw at Everton and Maritimo would be a very good week for Newcastle and I stand by that statement.
We have been professional and the back 4 played 3 games in 7 days.
We can be more entertaining but we still have big players not starting games and the big players that are in the team are not all performing.
Wednesday night brings another test and I think Cisse should partner Shola. That guy needs games and needs goals. Keeping him fresh to have no impact is carrying a passenger. Any thoughts on team for Wednesday:
Elliot
Tavernier williamson perch ferguson
Obertan gosling bigi marveaux
Cisse Shola
Or 4-3-3 taking Shola out, pushing wide players up and adding tiote to midfield tingaij sharpness.
I know colo may be fit and require game time but if the team is mainly fringe based this could work.
123 Big Pappa Cissé // Sep 23, 2012 at 11:36 PM
Colin Murray is a tool, Oh Ba is unhappy at the club. He never said that you moron it was his agent. I wonder how much that tool gets to present MOTD
124 YorkshiresFinestGeordie // Sep 23, 2012 at 11:38 PM
Big Pappa Cisse
I know I was gunna say the same thing, very poor presenter he is
125 BelfastMagpie // Sep 23, 2012 at 11:44 PM
He comes from one of the biggest council estates in Europe Colin Murray.
And one of the toughest estates too.Haha
Bet ya”ll didnt no that.
126 toonarmydownsouth // Sep 23, 2012 at 11:49 PM
Belfast
Doesn’t chsnge the fact he’s an irritating little twat!
127 BelfastMagpie // Sep 23, 2012 at 11:53 PM
Ano He Is Haha
But you’s wouldnt believe were he came from if you’s seen the place.
He’s a posh c*** now.
128 Big Pappa Cissé // Sep 23, 2012 at 11:54 PM
Ba ads money to his potential transfer. Colin Murray is a Prick like, does he hate the Toon or something ?
129 rainrix // Sep 23, 2012 at 11:54 PM
Oooo he couldnt resist another snide comment the skinny irish tw@t >_>
130 Ashton // Sep 23, 2012 at 11:56 PM
70cockneymagpie90
4312
————-KRUL————
ANITA-SAYLOR-COLO-SANTA
—–CABS–TIOTE–GUTI—–
————BENNY———–
——DEMBA1–DEMBA2—–
Play this formation pardew!!!!
—————————————————
I keep seeing this 4312 formation with Ben Arfa in a free role being suggested by our fans and it’s driving me crazy! This won’t work. We need cover on the flanks and the 3 men midfield in this formation can’t cover the flanks and the middle of the park in the same time, simply there would be too much space for the opposition if we were to use this formation. And this is not similar to the 433 we used last season. In the 433 both Ba and Ben Arfa tracked back and had defensive duties. So it was more of a 451 when defending and 433 attacking and that’s why it worked and works because it’s tactically very mobile and suits the players we have perfectly. But 4312 is not and never will.
131 leavemyarselona // Sep 23, 2012 at 11:57 PM
Belfast I’m from Newcastle but all my family including my mother from turf lodge Belfast u from near there
132 BelfastMagpie // Sep 23, 2012 at 11:58 PM
He’s a liverpool fan,who’s devolped a posh Belfast accent for some reason.
133 Jamesthefirst // Sep 23, 2012 at 11:59 PM
Cisse scored 13 goals last season. 7 from Cabaye assists. Cabaye (improving all the time) but not at his best, and Cisse not scoring. Not a coincidence.
When Cabaye is back to his purring engine controlling a game best, Cisse will start scoring.
The key to Cisse scoring, the key to chasing down 4th spot, is Cabaye.
134 BelfastMagpie // Sep 24, 2012 at 12:00 AM
No mate that’s west Belfast,Im East.
Turf Lodge is rough as f*** too.lol
135 Novocastrian66 // Sep 24, 2012 at 12:03 AM
I think Colin Murray has always been fair in his coverage of the toon, whether on C4 or the BBC. Anyway good riddance JT. If Chelsea had an once of decency they would sack him.
136 rainrix // Sep 24, 2012 at 12:04 AM
James im afraid you’ve over estimated the amount of cabaye assists
as i recall he set 2 against swansea 1 against stoke and 1 at wba maybe? A lack of confidence is all thats wrong, similar to ba 2nd half of last season
137 Ashton // Sep 24, 2012 at 12:06 AM
Jamesthefirst
Don’t hold your breath on “Cabaye controlling games” because the only reason we controlled some games last season was because of the 433 formation. Pardew won’t use that because Ba doesn’t like to play out wide.
138 Novocastrian66 // Sep 24, 2012 at 12:07 AM
That should read ” ounce of decency”
139 Big Pappa Cissé // Sep 24, 2012 at 12:08 AM
@ Novo
He just really annoyed me tonight. First he said Ba was unhappy at the club even though he himself said he was happy on twitter, also it was never Ba in the first place it was his agent. Then he said in the weekly roundup that Ba added more millions to his potential transfer fee with his goal today. It was lile he was trying to sell Demba live on TV, he must be jelous Liverfool don’t have him. Although I expect he will stop supporting the bindippers now since they won’t win anything for a long time
140 Jamesthefirst // Sep 24, 2012 at 12:10 AM
All those praising Ben Arfa must remember he hasn’t improved on his own. Under Hughton he was a flash in the pan who never tracked back.
Pardew started leaving him on the bench and said he wouldn’t play again until he learnt to be a team player, did extra sessions in training on his fitness, and made him understand when to release the ball and when to run. Pardew has transformed Ben Arfa into the player we love today.
And now Pardew constantly praises Ben Arfa in interviews, giving him that extra confidence to bring onto the pitch.
Pardew’s man management of Ben Arfa has been exceptional.
141 Jamesthefirst // Sep 24, 2012 at 12:19 AM
@ashton – Pardew didn’t start playing 4-3-3 at the start of last season either. You can’t play that formation until the middle three are up to speed. Cabaye still not at his best, Tiote only just back, and Jonas has no legs. We don’t have 3 midfielders on the top of their game to allow us to play 4-3-3
142 Ashton // Sep 24, 2012 at 12:27 AM
Jamesthefirst
Before the 433 we were playing hoofballs and weren’t controlling games per se, bar one or two games.
143 RonVanDam // Sep 24, 2012 at 2:08 AM
Pards should play Cisse and Campbell in Europa games to get his confidence up and pair Shola and Ba for PL games
144 jesperfuglsang // Sep 24, 2012 at 6:05 AM
Morning lads
What’s on the horizon for us this week? Carling Cup?
…what day?
I still cannot get over how bad that penanty was executed
lol It reminded me of Preben Elkjær bag in ’86 and Roberto Baggio in ’90 or so 
It is really among the worse I have ever seen
lol
145 jesperfuglsang // Sep 24, 2012 at 6:37 AM
*penalty
146 jesperfuglsang // Sep 24, 2012 at 7:40 AM
The blog seems to be at a lowdown these days, maybe it’s because its too early in the morning
How about another music questionnaire? I tried with Mew a while back and boy was that a letdown
maybe it was a tough one with Mew being Danish and all that, but I thought you Brits could use some new input…
My pick today would have to be “The Cooper Temple Clause”. I don’t know if they need any intruduction, but here is a teaser:
They were formed in Reading, England, in the late ’90s by Ben Gautrey. They bring forth an original and powerful compound of alternative rock, that is riding across different styles such as post-grunge or punk (an exciting and artful kind of hard rock).
Their debut album was released in 2002 to great critical acclaim. The band split in 2007 after releasing their third album. Ben Gautrey now manages and plays for Ashridge Park FC
147 jesperfuglsang // Sep 24, 2012 at 7:42 AM
Here we go:
a) What’s your favorite CTC song(s)?
b) Favorite album?
c) Most underrated song?
d) Most promising band in Britain after CTC?
148 hotdog // Sep 24, 2012 at 8:17 AM
Im guessing people have hit the wrong button for their vote if Obertan and Cabaye are listed!!
My MOM was perch, you can see he has the confidence now to be a player for Newcastle United. Closely followed by Hatem Ben Arfa it is a joy to watch this lad. Imagine if we had his quality on the other wing aswell?
149 LGFUAD21 // Sep 24, 2012 at 8:33 AM
jesperfuglsang
We’re on to music now?
I remember Cooper Temple Clause. Saw them support Black Rebel Motorcycle club circa 2002//2003
Best song will have to be Did You Miss Me? Brilliant album opener.
BEst album, See This Through and Leave. They fizzled a bit after this.
Most promising British band. Not since because they were around at the same time perhaps even before. But Biffy Clyro fly the flag pretty damn well.
You realise we are probably gonna get skinned for talking about music on here?
And on the penalty, it was nowehere near as bad as Gostkowskis kick for the Patriots against the Cardinals last week in the NFL, which brought back memories of Jaap Stams ultimate spoon. I didnt even think it was possible to kick a ball at that trajectory
See it here at about 2 mins 30 secs
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aQAVXDJ5xvs
150 jesperfuglsang // Sep 24, 2012 at 8:45 AM
LGFUAD…that Jaap Stam penalty just looked like Cisse’s
lol
…what do you know, if ppl don’t like talking or for that matter us talking about music then they just don’t have to participate
(who cares what they think?) lol
On a music note, I actually likes the direction CTC took on their second and highly underrated but critical aclaimed third album; just ashame Fischer left and they broke up…
151 cockneymagpie90 // Sep 24, 2012 at 11:17 AM
Ahston@
Your being negative towards this formation, would you say the same about milan and the attacking fullbacks using that formation, no.
This formation is about keeping the ball and pressing up the pitch with the fullbacks that are arguably better in the attackin half. I beileve we have to play to our strengths and press teams and frighten them to sitting back and playing deep. Im fed up of watching our games this season where we sit off the opposition.
We have great attacking ability in our team that can give any team a run for there money, we shouldnt be afraid of attacking football and in my opinion just off our first five games we have looked a whole lot better attacking teams and sitting higher up the pitch.
I think Padew is a fantastic manager and i beileve his man management is hard to come by but his tactics are not helping the team at the moment.
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